Himachal Pradesh, being a Himalayan state, is known for its majestic mountain ranges, picturesque valleys, and important mountain passes that have historical, cultural, and strategic significance. These physical features form an essential part of the static GK section in state-level exams.
In this section, you’ll find exam-focused MCQs covering the locations, importance, and geographical features of Himachal’s ranges, valleys, and mountain passes.
Major Mountain Ranges in Himachal Pradesh:
Shivalik Hills: Outer Himalayas, low altitude range
Dhauladhar Range: Steep range running through Kangra and Chamba
Pir Panjal Range: Lies between Ravi and Chenab rivers
Zanskar Range: High-altitude range in Lahaul-Spiti
Great Himalayan Range: Highest range; home to glaciers and major peaks
Famous Valleys of Himachal Pradesh:
Kullu Valley: Also called the “Valley of Gods”
Chamba Valley: Rich in history and surrounded by Dhauladhar
Spiti Valley: Cold desert valley known for monasteries and rugged terrain
Lahaul Valley: Glacial rivers, scenic beauty, and tribal culture
Baspa Valley (Sangla): A lush valley in Kinnaur, rich in apple orchards
Important Passes in Himachal Pradesh:
Rohtang Pass: Connects Kullu with Lahaul-Spiti
Kunzum Pass: Gateway to Spiti from Lahaul
Baralacha La: Connects Lahaul to Ladakh via Leh
Jalori Pass: Scenic pass between Kullu and Shimla regions
Shipki La: Indo-China border pass in Kinnaur district
Sach Pass: Connects Chamba with Pangi Valley
Mountain Ranges, Valleys and Passes Practice MCQ Question and Answer
31
Which type of tree is commonly found at lower elevations in the Pabbar Valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The common trees grown in this valley are blue pine at lower elevations, while spruce and silver-fair at the higher.
32
Which fish species is the Pabbar river famous for?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Pabbar river is famous for trout fish, which was introduced in this river by Mr. Glover, a British Chief Conservators of forests in 1938-39.
33
Which ranges bound the Lahaul Valley to the North?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Lahaul valley lies to the North of the Pir Panjal and main Himalayan ranges.
34
The Lahaul Valley is formed by which rivers?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
It is made up of the rivers Chandra and Bhaga till Tandi and river Chenab from Tandi to Udaipur.
35
Which river forms the Spiti Valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Spiti valley has been formed by the Spiti river.
36
What is the elevation range of the mountains surrounding the Lahaul and Spiti Valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The Lahaul and Spiti valley are surrounded by mountains with elevations ranging from 3,000 to 6,500 meters above the mean sea level.
37
Which of the following is a characteristic of the people of Lahaul valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
They are superstitious, credulous, industrious and honest.
38
Compared to Spiti, how are the irrigation facilities in Lahaul valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
In comparison to Spiti, Lahaul valley has better irrigation facilities.
39
Which type of crop is extensively cultivated in Lahaul valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The land in Lahaul valley is quite fertile and extensively used for off season vegetables and seed potatoes.
40
Which valley is Pin Valley a tributary of?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Pin valley is the tributary of Spiti valley in the Trans Himalayan zone.
41
At what average elevation does the Balh Valley lie?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Balh valley lies in Mandi district at an average elevation of 800 meters.
42
The Balh Valley is also known as?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
This is also known as Sundernagar valley.
43
Which stream divides the Balh Valley into roughly two parts?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Suketi stream divides this valley roughly into two parts.
44
Which project was started in the Balh Valley in November 1962?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
To promote mixed farming, dairying, animal husbandry, vegetable cultivation and horticulture, manuring and soil conservation Indo-German Agriculture Project was started in this valley in November 1962.
45
The Paonta or Kirda Dun Valley is located in which district?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The Paonta or Kirda Dun valley of Sirmaur lies between the Eastern extremities of Markanda and the Dharti ranges.
46
Which river separates the Paonta or Kirda Dun Valley from Dehra Dun?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Jamuna river separates it from Dehra Dun.
47
What type of area is the Par Dun tract described as?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The Par Dun tract, which is surrounded by hills lies near Majro village. This is a natural fortress.
48
Which rivers water the Kirda Dun valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Kirda Dun valley is very fertile as it is watered by Giri and Bata rivers.
49
During whose reign did people settle in the Kirda Dun valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
A century back, this valley was a dense forest, inhabited by wild beasts such as tigers and elephants, but people settled in it during the time of Raja Shamsher Prakash.
50
Which religious sites are located in the Paonta or Kirda Dun Valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
A Sikh Gurudwara at Paonta Sahib and a Ram Mandir are the two famous religious places in this valley.
51
The Kunihar valley is located in which district?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option D
The Kunihar valley lies nearly 50 km. West of Shimla in Solan district.
52
Before the formation of Himachal Pradesh, what was Kunihar valley a part of?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Before the formation of the State of Himachal Pradesh, the valley formed a part of Kunihar State with its headquarters at Hat-Kot, an important town in the area.
53
What is the soil type in the Kunihar valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The valley is known for its fertility and the soil varies from sandy loam to loam.
54
Which of the following is a main crop in the Kunihar valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The main crops are wheat, black gram, mustard, pulses, maize and some sugarcane.
55
What is a characteristic feature of the scenery in the Chamba Valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The scenery is charming and varied character presenting many delightful sights.
56
Which trees are found mingling with acacia, Shisham, and Pipal in the Chamba Valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
In the lower parts, the trees grown are wild olive, pomegranate and fig trees mingling with the acacia, Shisham, Pipal and some other trees.
57
What is the purpose of the rough walls in the terraced fields of Chamba Valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
On the mountain slopes, the fields are usually small in size and are arranged in terraces, the lower border of each being formed by a rough wall to make the ground more level for ploughing.
58
What is Chamba Valley known for, in addition to its scenery?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Chamba valley is famous for medical herbs and varities of flowers.
59
Which towns are located in the Chamba Valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The important towns located in this valley are Chamba, Bharmaur, Dalhausie and Khajjiar.
60
What type of valley is the Kangra Valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
This is an extensive dun-type valley located between the Dhauladhar range in the North and the Shivalik hills in the South.